It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Dr. Bruce Rippeteau (78 Years old). Cofounder and past President of Celebrate Freedom Foundation.

Bruce Rippeteau is a retired Archaeologist and Prehistorian: In 1984, Bruce moved his family to Columbia, South Carolina, where he served as the Director of the University of South Carolina Institute of Archaeology and Anthropology until 2002. As the South Carolina State Archaeologist, he led groundbreaking projects, including the conservation of the H.L. Hunley Historic Confederate Submarine, research on the Spanish Colonial Capitol of Santa Elena, and establishing the Cooper River Underwater Heritage trail, and being the Director of the large South Carolina Institute of Archaeology (a regulatory state agency; with Institute research on the Spanish Colonial Capitol of Santa Elena and the Civil War Submarine Hunley). 

 Bruce's additional interests include a Ham extra license AC0ZT, a pilot's license, past President and cofounder of Celebrate Freedom Foundation, the Association of the US Army and having been on its Ft Jackson Advisory Board, being a Notary, a past president of an Explorers Club chapter, a past president of the 20th largest Rotary Club of 34,000 worldwide, and a past Secretary of the Society for American Archaeology. His dedication to public service and preserving history earned him recognition from the South Carolina General Assembly in 2011.

 Dr. Rippeteau is survived by his wife Sandra, his children Astrid (Stephen Brueckner) and Lucius (Erika Rippeteau), grandchildren Isaac and Lily. Also, brother Darrel Jr. (Judy Rippeteau), sister Jane (Kevin Heffron), brother-in-law Michael (Jo McGuire), and many nieces and nephews. His contributions to archaeology, education, and community service will be remembered and celebrated by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the UNL Foundation to support the Department of Anthropology, in Bruce's memory.

 A celebration of his life will be held October 10, 2024, at Roper & Sons in Lincoln, NE and during the summer of 2025 in the Thousand Islands where friends and family can gather to honor his remarkable journey and lasting impact. Condolences may be sent to the family at BruceRipp2024@gmail.com.